Price to be starting goalie for Team Canada in opener

Hey there, time traveller!This article was published 12/2/2014 (1031 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

SOCHI, Russia - Mike Babcock ended the suspense Canadian hockey fans have been in since Team Canada’s original orientation roster was named last summer and tabbed Carey Price as his starting goalie for Thursday’s Olympic opener.

Babcock stepped off the ice Wednesday and announced Montreal Canadiens goalie Price as his man for Canada’s game against Norway.

Roberto Luongo of the Vancouver Canucks will start the second game Friday against Austria.

"I’m really excited. I’m ready to go. Our preparation has been really good so far," said Price. "I got the message this morning. (Babcock) told me in the dressing room when I arrived. We’re all ready for the responsibility. That’s part of being here."

Price said he’s not worried about Game 3 of the tournament and who will start for Canada in that game against Finland.

"My approach has been to prepare for each game individually, regardless of the role, and I don’t play on changing that," said Price.

U.S. coach Dan Bylsma tabbed Jonathan Quick has his starter but did not shed any light on his plan after his team’s first game.

"We were on the ice, I was stretching, (Bylsma) just came over and said it. It was pretty casual. I don’t think it’s that nerve-wracking of a situation even if that were the case. We’ve got a few great goalies here and each one probably deserves to play and can make a case for each of them in their own right, so regardless of what his decision was, whatever your role is, you’re just trying to do what you can to help your team," said Quick. "Whether that’s in the starting position or the backup position. And then again, it’s only tomorrow’s game that the decision was made for. Get the opportunity tomorrow and try to make the most of it.

gary.lawless@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @garylawless

Team Canada lineup

Teams can dress 20 skaters and two goalies. Canada is expected to dress 13 forwards and seven defencemen.

History

Updated on Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at 6:51 AM CST: adds video

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